Flight attendants say they are "sitting ducks" with new TSA rules

Alison Morrow

9:41 PM, Mar 6, 2013

7:06 AM, Mar 7, 2013

Walking through Tampa International Airport, it's impossible to miss signs warning passengers of prohibited items, most of which they can recite by heart. It's all information that's about to change, however.

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TAMPA BAY - Walking through Tampa International Airport, it's impossible to miss signs warning passengers of prohibited items, most of which they can recite by heart.

It's all information that's about to change, however.

On April 25, currently prohibited items, like pocket knives and baseball bats, will return to airplane cabins.

TSA announced it plans to focus on a more risk-based strategy that allows them more time to check for high-risk items like explosives.

The knives, though, have already drawn criticism from the Federal Air Marshals and a union which represents 90,000 flight attendants, arguing they will now be "sitting ducks."

"It's sharp, it's dangerous, it could kill someone. It could slit a throat," explained passenger John Kromer, while holding up one of the pocket knives allowed on the new list.

Though knife blades will have to measure less than six centimeters in length and a half-inch in width, passengers at TIA still expressed concern. They cannot be locked in an open position.

"I think it's just as dangerous as anything bigger," said Priscilla McCarthy.

"You can kill somebody with this," said Ana Miranda.

After showing Miranda the knife, we handed her a couple other items that will soon make it through airline security, like a baseball bat.

"This is a weapon," she said, banging the metal against her chair.

Though baseball bats also have a size rule, no longer than 24 inches if they weigh more than 24 ounces, there is no specification about material.

"I'd be terrified," said one woman while exiting the tram from her gate.

Other newly-allowed sporting goods include pool cues, lacrosse sticks, and two golf clubs per passenger.

Men appeared to be less concerned about the changes, but that seemed to follow a size rule as well.